Exams and Christmas

Don't forget your exams!

English: Dec. 13 at 11:00, arrive by 10:30
CE: Dec. 14 at 8:30, arrive by 8:00
SS: Dec. 17 at 11:00, arrive by 10:30

Study Tips:

• Plan your study times.
• Plan to study for 30-60 minutes at a time, taking 10-15 minute breaks in between.
• Switch up what you're studying. If you're studying for CE and take a break, do a little SS or Science.
• Don't try to cram everything in at once.
• Get plenty of rest...no all-nighters!
• Eat healthy foods, balancing protein, fat, and good carbs (not potato chips and pie).
• Drink lots of water, not energy drinks or Gatorade. You don't need the sugar, and you certainly don't need the caffeine.
• Visualise yourself doing really well on your exams.
• Don't panic or stress out.  It's just an exam.

Over Christmas break:

• Spend time with your family and friends, not X-Box or Facebook.
• Read for pleasure and to get ahead with your AR requirements.
• Get some exercise to combat the ill effects of over-indulging in that Christmas baking.
• Go to Mass.  Remember, both Christmas and New Year's are holy days of obligation (meaning you're really supposed to go to Mass those days).
• Remember those less fortunate and do one good deed to help those in need, whether that's giving some of your Christmas chocolates to Agape Street Ministry, visiting a retirement home to play games with some of the elderly there, or buying some food for a person pan-handling on the corner.  There are many kind acts you can do.  Choose one.
• Make a New Year's resolution to improve yourself, for example: stop using foul language; respect and listen to your parents; befriend someone who struggles to fit in; don't gossip...There are many things we do that we shouldn't or don't do that we should.  Choose one and vow to change.

Dec. 10

• exam discussion
• practice with short story elements using Frosty the Snowman video

Homework: Study!

Dec. 7

• CE test
• returned SS test
• study/AR/Advent time

Homework: study for exams

Monday/Tuesday - Bring cue cards for preparing study materials.
Tuesday - reconciliation (confessions) available after penitential service, banner raising for football team
Wednesday - no school for Grade 8; early dismissal (12:45) for Grades 9-12

Dec. 6

• had SS test on China
• Abraham test is tomorrow.

Reminders:

• Abraham test tomorrow
• noon dismissal tomorrow

• 825: warning bell
• 8:30-9:15: F
• 9:20-10:05: G
• 10:05-10:20: break
• 10:25-11:10: H
• 11:15-12:00: E

Dec. 5

CE

• Abraham practice test
• went over answers

EN

• AR
• went over study guide for EN, CE, SS
• did some parts of speech practice
• worked on our Advent pictures/poems

Homework: Study.

Tomorrow: China test in B block.
Friday: Abraham test in F block (and G if needed).
Friday is also a noon dismissal.

Dec. 4

• China practice test
• went over answers

Check the Google Doc links on the side for the key to the practice test and for the various notes in case your versions are messy or missing.

Tomorrow: Abraham practice test and exam prep for English.
Thursday: China test
Friday: Abraham test

Dec. 3

What we covered today:

• went over CE responses for both the Abraham review (p. 45) and the Isaac and Rebekah handout
• started a visual/poetic response for what Christmas means to us
• checked answers to the Parts of Speech Review

Absent?  Ask a friend for the answers, but try the Parts of Speech multiple choice exercise on your own:
Parts of Speech Review

Homework: none except to read and study

Tomorrow: practice test (China)

Nov. 30

• AR
• finished going over "Seeking" questions
• reviewed of parts of speech

HW: Finish the parts of speech questions.  We'll go over the answers on Monday.

Reminders:

• Football game on Saturday at 8:00 a.m. at BC Place
• Complete CE questions for checking on Monday (p. 45 For Review and handout)
• Practice test on China on Tuesday in B block
• Practice test on Abraham on Wednesday in F block
• Tests: Dec. 6 - China test in B, Dec. 7 - Abraham test in F

Nov. 29

CE

• sharing: Karlo, Matthew M.
• review of last day's readings
• reading/discussion of the rest of the Abraham story: Isaac's birth, the banishment of Hagar and Ishmael, Abraham's test, Sarah's death, Isaac's marriage to Rebekah, Abraham's death

Homework: Complete the For Review questions and the questions on the handout.

SS

• went over the Downfall of the Tang
• group activity: matching the notes in the Dynasties chart
• note-taking (chart) See the Google Docs on the side for a copy.

No SS homework.

Reminders:

• Due tomorrow for English: questions 15-19 of "Seeking"
• Monday, Dec. 3: choir students out
• Tuesday, Dec. 4: China practice test in B block
• Wednesday, Dec. 5: Mass and Abraham practice test
• Thursday, Dec. 6: China test in B block
• Friday, Dec. 7: Abraham test in F block (and G if needed), early dismissal

Nov. 27

• Reading Comprehension quiz
• AR
• went over questions 1-10 (interrupted by handing out of shirts)
• discussed the questions that you'll complete for homework (q. 15-19)

Homework: Complete questions 15-19 (not 20).

Reminders for tomorrow:

• CE homework was to finish the notes for Genesis 18:1-33; 19:1-29
• SS homework was to take Cornell notes on the downfall of the Tang dynasty (p. 99 of textbook)

Nov. 27

CE

• Sharing (William)
• Review of last day's main ideas: birth of Ishmael through Hagar and circumcision as sign of the covenant
• Read/discussed the visit by the angels and Sodom and Gomorrah
• Read/took notes on Genesis 18:1-33; 19:1-29

Homework: Complete the notes.

SS

• Continued Cornell notes: Cosmopolitan Times, Art and Science, Literature

Homework: Finish the notes on the Downfall of the Tang Dynasty (p. 99).

Reminders:

Early dismissal 12:45 tomorrow

Juggler day (food bank) tomorrow

"Seeking" questions 1-14 due tomorrow

Nov. 26

• paragraph-writing: My favourite .....
• AR
• work on "Seeking"

Homework: Finish "Seeking" questions 6-14.

Reminders:

• Wednesday: 12:45 dismissal and Juggler Day for St. Helen's food bank
• Due tomorrow: question and answer notes on Genesis 16:1-16; 17:1-22

Nov. 23

CE

• sharing - Kelvin
• reading and explanation - Abram and Sarai: the use of Hagar as a surrogate; the covenant and sign (circumcision)
• question and answer notes Genesis 16:1-16; 17:1-22

Homework: Finish the notes for this section of the Bible.

SS

• more note-taking, this time on the Tang dynasty
• We read together and took Cornell notes on the introduction to the Tang dynasty and the section called Education and the Exam System.

No homework

Reminders:

• Monday - have questions 1-5 of "Seeking Her Husband" completed.
• Bring in your pennies.
• You should all be reading at least 20 minutes each day outside of school.

Nov. 22

• AR
• turned in paragraphs
• reading comprehension quiz
• "Seeking Her Husband" questions 1-5

Homework: finish off just the front page of questions (1-5).

Due tomorrow: notes on Shang and Qin dynasties

Nov. 21

CE

• explanation of exams
• sharing - Alyssa
• Noah comic presentation
• HW check (question/answer notes)
• continuation of Abraham - notes on Genesis 15:1-6

Homework: only if you didn't finish the notes for Gen. 15:1-6

SS

• continuation of note-taking using guided Cornell Notes
• video clips of Qin dynasty

Homework: complete the notes on the Shang and Qin dynasties.

Reminders:

• parent-teacher interviews Thursday 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00
• early dismissal Thursday at 12:45
• due tomorrow for English: 2nd drafts of paragraphs, have read "Seeking Her Husband"

Nov. 20

• AR
• peer assessment of paragraphs
• work on revision of paragraphs and self-assessment

Homework:

• Finish revising your paragraphs.  Hand them in on Thursday in the following order from the bottom: first drafts, peer assessment sheet, second drafts, self-assessment sheet.
• Read the short story, "Seeking Her Husband at the Great Wall."

Reminders:

• late start (9:10) for Grades 8-10 tomorrow
• early dismissal (12:45) on Thursday
• parent-teacher interviews on Thursday 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00
• due tomorrow: CE notes (question/answer format) on p. 37 of text and Genesis 12:1-9.

Nov. 19

CE

• sharing - Christine
• presentation of Noah comics
• family tree - Abraham (Start it now, and keep adding to it as we go along.)
• note-taking/reading (p. 37 of text, Genesis 12:1-9)

Homework: Finish the note-taking (question and answer form) for the text and Bible passage.

SS

• review of notes (China - geography, 3 philosophies)
• continued Cornell Notes

No assigned homework

Reminder for tomorrow: have your two paragraphs completed for peer assessment and writing a new draft in class.

Nov. 13-16

Summary of this week:

EN

• Worked on HUM paragraph from last week (favourite story or why you disliked the stories)
• New HUM paragraph: either least/most favourite character (and why) OR a life message you have learned for the stories

Homework: finish off the paragraphs for peer assessment on Tuesday

SS

• Note-taking on China using guided Cornell notes
• Watching Mulan

No homework

CE

Abraham - the film (3 hours and 7 minutes)

No homework

Students who missed the Creation/Tales of Woe test will take it on Monday.
Parent-teacher interviews are on Thursday, Nov. 22.

Nov. 8

• went over responses to "Finders Keepers"
• looked at the HUM 8 paragraph and a sample paragraph
• looked at the marking criteria for a HUM 8 paragraph
• added transitions to the sample paragraph
• worked on paragraph-writing (not for homework)

Homework:

Read "The Mystery of the Oracle Bones" at the start of Chapter 3 of your SS textbook.

Reminders:

• Noah comic was due yesterday. We'll start looking at them next class.
• CE homework due Tuesday is to have read the story of Abraham.
• SS homework due Tuesday is to complete the China notes (importance of geography and 3 philosophies)

Nov. 7

CE

• We had out Creation and Tales of Woe test today.
• I distributed the title page for our Patriarchs unit and went over the expectations and assessment tasks types.
• I distributed the comic of Abraham. Please read it over the long weekend (or during break or lunch before CE class on Tuesday).

SS

• You worked on note-taking today for China using a chart (the importance of geography) and a triple Venn diagram (philosophies).
• If you didn't finish the notes, you must do so before Tuesday's class.

Homework:

• read the Abraham comic for Tuesday
• finish the notes on China for Tuesday

Reminders:

• Alternative Mass Day schedule tomorrow for Remembrance Day assembly
• Have "Finders Keepers" read and answer the questions for tomorrow.
• Friday and Monday: no school

Nov. 6

• AR
• answers to "Brains" and "The Book of Thoughts" as well as the plot rollercoaster for "Brains"

Homework:
Read "Finders Keepers" and complete the questions for Thursday.

Reminders:

• CE test tomorrow
• Noah comic due tomorrow
• have the "What I've learned about technology" part of your China KWL sheet done

Nov. 5

CE

• sharing - Jessica and Steven
• practice test - see here for answers: Creation and Tales of Woe Study Guide

SS

• Video Ancient China and notes.
• Find the completed notes here: Ancient Civilizations - China

Homework

CE - Noah comic due and test on Nov. 7
SS - Add to the "What I've learned about technology" section of your KWL sheet.

Nov. 2

• AR
• plotline work
• story: "Brains"
• questions/plotline for "Brains"

Homework:
Read "The Book of Thoughts" and complete the questions.

Don't forget the block change on Monday.  Day 2: F, G, break, H, lunch, E

Nov. 1

CE

• sharing: Sofia and Leanne
• group work: combining notes

Important Info:

• CE practice test (Creation 1, Creation 2, Fall of Man, Cain & Abel, Noah & Flood, Tower of Babel) on Nov. 5
• CE test on Nov. 7
• CE comic due Nov. 7

SS

• China unit title page, KWL sheet, and next day's guided notes handed out
• worked on the K and W of the KWL sheet

Due next day:

• have what you KNOW and what you're WONDERING about China filled in

Other:

• FREE Juggler day Friday (pep rally)
• Block change begins on Monday (F, G, H, E)

Halloween

We did a little story elements activity today using "Scared Shrekless" from DreamWorks' Spooky Tales.

There is no homework assigned for English today.

Tomorrow, we're on the alternative Mass day schedule.

Have a safe and fun Halloween.

Oct. 30

CE

• prayer - song "Yahweh" by U2 and interpretation of its message

• sharing: Eva, Edwin, and Aldrin
• World Religions quiz (SS)
• note-taking (questions and answers) by section: Creation 1, Creation 2, Fall of Man (Sin Enters the World), Cain and Abel, Noah and the Flood, The Tower of Babel

Homework: Complete your notes for your section if you didn't finish in class.

SS

• Current Events: Where Has Our Game Gone?
• Reading/Responding
• Editorial Cartoon analysis

Homework: Complete questions 6 and 7 for the cartoon.

Reminders:

• late start tomorrow (9:10), appropriate costumes allowed, shortened classes for Student Gov't activities
• Thursday: All Saints' Day Mass (alternative Mass day schedule)

October 29

• Last two presentations
• Short story work

Homework: finish the plot roller coaster for one story if you didn't finish in class

Tomorrow: SS quiz using your notes

Oct. 26

CE
Well, we chatted for a bit while we waited for the first group to finish the final touches of their presentation.  After that, we had two presentations then had time to get into our groups for the Noah comic.

SS
We went to the library to meet with Father Rocha.

Homework:

• Noah comic due Nov. 7
• last 2 presentations on Monday

Monday: Day 1 - no HW due

Oct. 25

• Presentations
• Grammar review of answers (prepositions, conjunctions, adjectives, adverbs)
• answers to short story questions "The Real Aunt Molly"
• handed out next piece of work (Plot Rollercoaster)

No Homework

Tomorrow:

• Presentations
• Go over questions for Father Rocha
• Time to work on Noah project
• Meet with Father Rocha in the library

Oct. 24

CE

• prayer - Luke 12:39-48
• sharing - Tom and Ferdinand
• time to work on World Religions project

SS

• went over criteria/expectations
• 2 presentations (took notes)
• Reminder: Father Rocha will be visiting on Friday during G block
• time to work on Noah comic strip

Homework

• come up with 1-5 questions for Father Rocha (appropriate questions!)
• 2 more presentations tomorrow
• keep working on Noah comic strip

Reminders

• Day 1 + HR tomorrow
• English: 2 presentations followed by short story discussion
• Homework due for tomorrow: Read "The Real Aunt Molly" and answer the questions; complete the parts of speech worksheet (from "Fruitcake Special")

Oct. 23

• Sharing: Brandon and Gabriella
• AR
• Short story questions and plot line (vocabulary)
• Parts of Speech work with short story

Homework:

1. Finish the parts of speech sheet.
2. Read "The New Aunt Molly" and answer the Check Your Reading questions.

Tomorrow:

• Juggler Day - $2 or gently used clothing for Covenant House/Union Gospel Mission
• Late start 9:10
• CE and SS (first two presentations)

Oct. 19

CE

• Reading - Psalm 33
• Noah project work

Homework: whatever you assign yourselves for the Noah project

EN

• Adjective/Adverb test
• AR
• turned in paragraph
• prepositions and conjunctions videos

• exercise with "People Are People"

Homework: Read the story "The Fruitcake Special" and complete the Check Your Understanding activities for that one story.

Next Week

• Monday - no school
• Tuesday - Day 1 with Homeroom (English in B block again)
• Wednesday - Day 2, late start 9:10
• Thursday - Day 1 with Homeroom
• Friday - Day 2

World Religions presentations take place Wednesday - Friday.

Oct. 18

We spent the class in the library working on our World Religions project.  I'll be checking/marking your notes tomorrow.
Presentations start Wednesday, Oct. 24.

• Adjective/Adverb test in G block tomorrow
• I'll be collecting excessively descriptive paragraphs that have now been highlighted (the adjectives and adverbs in two different colours).

 

I'll check the first page only of prepositions.

 

Reminders:
9:10 late start tomorrow
FREE Pink day tomorrow

 

No school on Monday, Oct. 22 (Pro-D Day)

Oct. 17

CE

• sharing by Kelly
• reading - Luke 11:42-46
• worked in groups to complete rubrics and start Noah project

Homework: whatever you assigned yourselves in order to work on your project

EN

• practice test adjectives/adverbs
• AR
• went over answers
• looked at prepositions

Homework:

• Take your excessively descriptive paragraphs and highlight the adjectives and adverbs in two different colours.
• Adjective/Adverb test on Friday
• First page only of prepositions

Reminders:

• 1:55 dismissal tomorrow
• dance tomorrow 7:30-11:00
• HR tomorrow (Entertainment books, Gala)
• 9:10 late start on Friday
• FREE Pink day on Friday
• No school on Monday, Oct. 22 (Pro-D Day)

Oct. 16

We worked on our World Religions projects today.  Please be sure to start preparing your presentations using either Prezi (preferable) or Power Point.  Remember, the computers at school are not compatible with Apple devices, so you should use either a PC Microsoft program or web-based Prezi.

Presentation dates are as follows:

Oct. 24 G block

Group G – Steven, Joseph, Ferdinand, Nicholas – Judaism
Group A – Leanne, Gabriella, Sophia M., Martha - Sikhism

Oct. 25 B block
Group E – Matthew M., Aldrin, William - First Nations (North American Indigenous)
Group C – Alyssa, Christine, Joanna - Judaism

Oct. 26 F block
Group F – Matthew R., Tom, Brandon - Hinduism
Group H – Karlo, Edwin, Kelvin – Islam
Group D – Sofia B., Denise, Jessica - Buddhism
Group B – Eva, Kelly, Allessandra, Hanita - Baha’i
*********************************************************
Tomorrow:
Day 2 late start (9:10 first bell)
F - CE - work on project (Noah main events list due)
G - EN - adj/adv practice test (test on Friday)

Oct. 15

CE

• sharing by Sophia
• Jeopardy (won by the group with Sophia, Sofia, Jessica, Tom, and absent Nicholas) Play again at Genesis Jeopardy
• NEW project for CE: Noah and the Flood Comic Strip DUE Wednesday, Nov. 7

Homework:
List 6-9 main events in the Noah story in order to share this list with your group next day (Wednesday).

 

EN

• started rubrics creation for Noah project
• AR

 

• adjectives/adverbs - worked on paragraph with OODLES of adjectives and adverbs

Homework:

• Finish the overloaded paragraphs about yourselves with an extremely, outrageously, hugely excessive use of insanely beautiful adjectives and adverbs.
• Testing: practice test on adjectives and adverbs on Wednesday, test on Friday

 

Tomorrow:

• Day 1 with HR
• SS in library for research/work on World Religions project

Oct. 10-12

As you know, I was away for a couple of days finishing off some Catholic professional development.  The following is a summary of what you should have done:

Oct. 10

English

• continued adjectives and adverbs, going over answers (superlative/comparative and adverbs), watching the adverbs video then continuing work in the package
• the homework that should have been assigned: write a short paragraph about yourself with loads of adjectives and adverbs (page 28)

Oct. 11

CE

• journal reflection: Am I my brother's keeper?
• notes completion on Noah and the Flood and the Tower of Babel (textbook pp. 35-37 plus related readings in the Bible)
• homework: complete the review questions on page 37 of the textbook

SS

• you worked on news items: reading, comprehension, and analysis

Oct. 12

SS

• We switched from EN in B block to SS in B block so that we can use the library for our research project.  I handed out the notes booklet, and you got started on your research.  We will have two more days in the library for research/work on the project.  This will happen next Tuesday and Thursday.

Coming up:

• Monday: Day 2 - CE and English (Have your homework completed for these classes.)
• Tuesday: Day 1 (with HR) - SS research in the library
• Wednesday: Day 2 late start CE and English
• Thursday: Day 1 (with HR) - SS research in the library (last day), SCHOOL DANCE in the evening
• Friday: Day 2 late start - CE and English PLUS hand in notes for marking

Oct. 9

CE

• Reading - Luke 10:32-42
• group work: checking answers in Genesis worksheets
• textbook and Bible reading and using worksheet to change/add info as needed: Chapter 2 Beginnings - pp. 26-28 intro, pp. 29-31 Creation (Genesis 1:1-31; 2:1-4), pp. 32-33 Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:4-25; 3:1-24), pp. 34-35 Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1-16)
• Sharing (happened in G) - Denise (Joanna was absent.)

SS

• review time prior to test
• Geography test
• grouping for World Religions project
• choices (drawn randomly)
• discussion about presentations

World Religions Groups


Group A – Leanne, Gabriella, Sophia M., Martha Sikhism
Group B – Eva, Kelly, Allessandra, Hanita Baha’i
Group C – Alyssa, Christine, Joanna Judaism
Group D – Sofia B., Denise, Jessica Buddhism
Group E – Matthew M., Aldrin, William First Nations (North American Indigenous)
Group F – Matthew R., Tom, Brandon Hinduism
Group G – Steven, Joseph, Ferdinand, Nicholas Judaism
Group H – Karlo, Edwin, Kelvin Islam

Next sharing will be done on Friday at the start of B block (Joanna, Martha, Joseph).
We will also begin research in the library on Friday during B block.

Oct. 5

• AR
• adjectives
• adverbs

Homework:

• Complete adj/adv pkg p. 15 comparative/superlative and p. 17 adverbs.

Reminders:

• Don't forget to complete the CE sheets that went with the DVD.
• Study for Tuesday's SS test.
• Sharing on Tuesday: Joanna and Denise

Next Week:

• Some service hour policy/proposal sheets are overdue. Please turn them in immediately.
• Monday: no school
• Tuesday: Day 2, homeroom, photo retakes, back to regular uniform (no summer), Socials test
• Wednesday: Day 1 late start @ 9:10
• Thursday: Day 2, homeroom
• Friday: Day 1

Oct. 4

CE

• Continued watching DVD on Creation and the Flood

HW

• Finish the questions using the Bible if you did not finish this in class.

SS

• Practice test and answers

HW

• Study for Tuesday's test.

Tomorrow: you should have pp. 15 and 16 of adjectives completed.

Oct. 3

Well, today you had Ms. Citton subbing for you with my lesson plan.  Hopefully, you had your test on nouns, pronouns, and verbs.  After that, I planned on more in-depth work with adjectives. I had some homework planned but left it up to Ms. Citton's discretion.

Reminder: practice SS test tomorrow

Oct. 2

CE

• Prayer
• Sharing: Hanita and Allessandra
• New unit: Creation and Tales of Woe
• Genesis overview
• Film and worksheets
• You'll continue the DVD next day with the sub.

Homework: none

SS

• Self-assessment of maps
• Exercise with latitude and longitude for test practice
• Next class: practice test

Homework

• Study for test on Oct. 9
• Check lat/long answers on google doc (on side)

Oct. 1

• AR
• weekly updates (Wednesday early dismissal, Friday living rosary, Monday Thanksgiving)
• Reminder: Service Hour Policy/Proposal sheets due Friday
• Reminder: raffle tickets due Friday
• formative test on common nouns, proper nouns, pronouns, verbs
• went over answers
• started adjectives and adverbs with the Supertramp song, "Logical"

Homework:

• Continue preparing for your test (Wednesday). Use the following links to assist you: Possessive Pronouns Reflexive Pronouns It and There Parts of Speech More Parts of Speech

Reminders:

• due tomorrow: SS World Map
• due Friday: raffle tickets, service hour form

Sharing:

• Sharing tomorrow will be done by Hanita and Allessandra.

Sept. 28

CE

• reading - Ecclesiastes 3:1-11
• test
• went over answers

No homework for CE

SS

• gave CE test mark
• worked on World Map (due Tuesday)
• alternate river names: Yangtze - Chang Jiang, Zaire - Congo, Ganges - Ganga, Danube - Dunav, Rhine - Rhein

Homework

• Finish World Map - Due Tuesday, Oct. 2

Sept. 27

• AR
• work with verbs - paragraph exchange
• Tom and Jerry writing
• additional verb exercises

Heads-up: There will be a formative quiz (practice) on proper nouns, common nouns, pronouns, and verbs on MONDAY.  The summative test will be on WEDNESDAY.

There was no homework assigned, but you should be reading 15-20 minutes each day in addition to the time you get for silent reading in class.

Reminders:

• CE test tomorrow (Use the practice test to study.)
• work on Geography map tomorrow, due Oct. 2

Sept. 26

CE

• Reading - Luke 9:23-26
• practice test - Introduction to the Old Testament
• Use the Google Docs link on the right side here to access the answer key to the practice test.

Homework: Study for Friday's test.

SS

• Work on mapping assignment and Earth's Tilt worksheet. Bring the mapping assignment to class on Friday for continued work during class.

World Map due on Oct. 2

Sept. 25

• AR
• verbs continued
• sample passage - identifying verbs
• Fun with Verbs activity - Tom and Jerry
• We listed the verbs we saw occurring then chose 10 of the most interesting ones and wrote sentences or a paragraph.  This is homework only if you didn't get a good start on it (about 4 sentences).

Homework:

• Writing prompt (p. 20 of verb booklet): Choose a writing prompt and write a paragraph. 8-12 sentences, double-spaced, DUE Thursday for work with a partner

Sept. 24

CE

• Reading - Luke 8:16-18
• Weekly reminders (Wednesday: Juggler Day - $2 and 12:45 dismissal)
• Group work - creating questions for the Introduction to the Old Testament test on Friday
• Discussion of sharing and schedule-creation (See Google Doc on right side of this blog.)

Homework - none except to review for Friday's test (practice test on Wednesday)

SS

• went over latitude/longitude worksheet answers
• videos
• time to work on more latitude and longitude materials
• went over answers
• discussed issue of map-creation to represent sphere
• worked on Earth's Tilt Is the Reason for the Seasons and other worksheets

Homework: none

Bring to next SS class your fineliners and colouring supplies for map work.  Your world maps (that will be distributed on Wednesday) will be due Oct. 2.

Sept. 21

Hopefully, you completed the tasks I left for you with Ms. Citton.  I had planned continued work with pronouns and an introduction to verbs (with a very cool activity).  I'm not sure whether you had time for everything, so the homework update will have to wait until Monday.

Please remember to complete your Books of the Old Testament mini poster for CE for Monday as well as the Latitude/Longitude practice page for Social Studies.

Sept. 20

CE

• reading - Psalm 118
• talk: Being a Steward of the Earth, a Servant of the Lord
• Old Testament introduction continued and completed
• Next class: We will work on creating test questions using our textbooks and notes. The practice test will be on Wednesday, and the test will be on Friday (Sept. 28).

Homework:

• Don't forget to finish your mini poster of the books of the Old Testament (p. 23 of your textbook). Follow all the directions listed in the post titled Sept. 18. This is due Monday, Sept. 24.

SS

• checked the Equator crossword
• in-depth study of lines of latitude and longitude (highlighting notes, taking guided notes)
• practicing identifying places using coordinates

Homework:

• Practicing Latitude and Longitude (p. 27 of Geography worksheets) due Monday, Sept. 24

Sept. 19

• AR - We're up to 11 students on the leader board now.  Great job!
• Pronouns: model passage (p. 13) Circle or highlight all the pronouns. Use the reference page (16) to help you.
• Pronouns: writing (p. 14) Write a paragraph about your best friend(s). Who is your best friend/are your best friends? What qualifies this friend or these friends to be the best? Write 8-12 sentences and double space.  You will use this paragraph next class with a classmate to identify pronouns and look for errors.

Homework: Finish the best friend paragraph if you didn't finish it in class.

Reminders:

• Early dismissal at 2:00 tomorrow
• Pep rally on Friday
• CE service hour forms due Oct. 5
• Entertainment Book and Raffle Tickets due ASAP

Sept. 18

CE

• reading - I Corinthians 12:12-14, 27-31
• explanation: Be your best; be thankful for your gifts; help and care for others.
• Textbook: Chapter 1 - The Old Testament (introduction)
• listed the 7 main points in the outline of "The Great Story" (p. 8)
• defined covenant: • the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture
  • the agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him
  • BOTH sides agree to certain conditions
• discussed assignment: (mini) poster of the books of the Old Testament (p. 23)

Homework:

• finish jotting down the 7 points if you didn't finish in class
• Make a poster of the books of the Old Testament. Use page 23 in your textbook as a reference. Include the categories, and keep the books in order.  Depict this in any way you like, but be sure to use ink/fine liner (no pencil showing) and colour. This will be marked out of 10 and is DUE Sept. 24. To get 10/10: neat, includes all titles in correct order, includes group names (Pentateuch, etc.), is done in ink/felt/computer ink, is coloured, shows no pencil, is done on unlined paper.

SS

• collected International Dossier assignment
• continued work on the geography package
• checked World Vegetation Maps and Comparing Continents
• discussed lines of latitude and longitude, equator, prime meridian, hemispheres

Homework:

• assigned Equator crossword puzzle (p. 26) DUE Sept. 20 (Class time will be given during English tomorrow to work on it using the globes and atlases.)

Sept. 17

• AR and AR tests - congratulations to the students who have already successfully taken one or more AR quizzes: Jessica, Gabriella, Matthew M., Joanna, Eva, Alyssa, Brandon, and Karlo
• Noun review
• Introduction to pronouns
• Exercises with pronouns

Homework: No English homework in anticipation of Tuesday's dance

Reminders:

• SS international dossier due tomorrow (ink, coloured, cut out with name on back)
• dance tomorrow night 7:00-9:00 (semi-formal)
• service hour forms due Oct. 5

Sept. 14

CE

• Reading - James 3:16-4:3 (this Sunday's second reading)
• went over upcoming Grade 8 events (free dress down day in team colours on Monday for lunchtime activity, dance on Tuesday)
• got into groups to review answers to Scriptural References sheet then shared with the class
• did a similar group activity with the timeline questions
• labelled CE textbooks

HW: No CE homework

SS

• labelled SS textbooks then started signing books out in the library
• handed in World Map and Latitude/Longitude sheet
• worked in groups to check Parts of an Atlas sheet then shared with the class
• started work on a vegetation map worksheet (not for homework)
• received homework assignment and explanation, chose countries

HW: Complete the International Dossier assignment. This will be displayed, so please use ink in the writing and colour the sheet either as you wish or in the colours of the country's flag.
Due Tuesday

Don't forget the English homework due Monday (good copy of paragraph).

Countries:

Karlo – Croatia
Kelvin – USA
William – Canada
Alyssa – Italy
Jessica – England
Matthew M – Fiji
Steven – Vietnam
Leanne – Iraq
Sofia – Australia
Edwin – Philippines
Aldrin – Scotland
Eva – France
Ferdinand – China
Matthew R – Germany
Tom – Japan
Nicholas – Portugal
Brandon – Spain
Kelly – New Zealand
Sophia – Egypt
Gabriella – Monaco
Martha – Russia
Hanita – Brazil
Joseph – Argentina
Denise – India
Joanna – Switzerland
Alessandra - Ireland

Sept. 13

English

• AR
• HW check
• peer editing of paragraphs
• model passage - noun identification

Homework:

Revise your paragraph and write a good copy.  Please follow formatting rules. Due Monday

Formatting Rules:

Hand-written - blue or black ink, double-spaced, loose-leaf paper

Typed - printed in black ink, blank paper (no decorations), 12-point regular font (Palatino, Times New Roman, etc.), double-spaced, 1-inch margins all around, aligned left (not justified or centred)

Sept. 12

CE

• Today's reading was Luke 6:20-26
• We wrote Scripture reflections.
• Mr. Garcea and Ms. Robinson visited to let you know about their availability to talk.
• We worked on finishing the timeline exercise.
• We looked at how to find a Scriptural reference and worked on a matching exercise.

HW: Finish the Scriptural reference worksheet.

SS

• We continued work on Parts of an Atlas.
• We started working on the worksheet: labelling the World Map and Latitude/Longitude lines.

HW: Finish the World Map and Latitude/Longitude worksheet (no colouring).

If you haven't signed up yet for Edmodo, please do so. Code: sgcdto

Sept. 11

• handed in poem
• silent reading
• parts of speech overview
• nouns video
• noun exercises

Homework:

Choose a writing prompt (Who's Responsible OR Alone and with Others) and write a paragraph to use for next English class. Due Thursday

Sept. 10

CE

• reviewed the week (parent meetings, late start, Mass, jersey day)
• turned in letters (and tissues)
• discussed service hours
• went over why we study the Bible
• discussed the development of the Bible through the oral, written, and edited stages
• started working on a work sheet of the timeline of the Old Testament

*** CE form (not hours) due Friday, October 5.

SS

• discussed rights and responsibilities (as Canadians, as members of our families)
• brainstormed in groups rights and responsibilities as Grade 8 students at ND
• selected our top two answers for each for Grade 8 poster
• started Geography unit - introduction to Atlas

Please remember to bring in your good copies of your "To Be" poems tomorrow.

Sept. 7

Today, we finished off the t-shirts, went to the library to check out AR books, shared our t-shirts in groups, and wrote bio poems for partners.

Homework:

1. Finish a good copy (for display) of the bio poem if you haven't already done so (due Tuesday).
2. Bring your novel to all Humanities classes.
3. Sign up for Edmodo (code sgcdto).
4. Remember to bring your letter to yourself on Monday if you haven't already done so.
5. Bring a box of tissues to class.

Sept. 6

We worked on our t-shirt activity and our letters to ourselves.

Homework:

1. If you haven't completed your letter, have it done by Monday, Sept. 10.
2. Sign up for an edmodo account by the end of next week. Use group code sgcdto.
3. Bring a box of tissues for next week.

Welcome to Grade 8!

Please check here daily for updates regarding homework. If you follow me, you should receive notification of new posts.

Marks

Keep an eye out on this homework page for information regarding your final marks.

Students who haven't turned in service hours should do so ASAP in order to receive partial marks.

June 5

We got through a few presentations today.  If you haven't presented yet, you will present tomorrow.

Test tomorrow: English - Poetry

Review the 17 terms I gave you today.

June 4

Presentations continue:

1. Miguel
2. Alex
3. Marcus
4. Jeffrey
5. Eduardo
6. April John
7. Stephanie de A
8. Christina

 I expect to get through 5 or 6 presentations tomorrow.

May 31

Reminders

Friday, June 1 - Juggler Day (Food Bank), dismissal at 12:15 for 8s and 9s

Monday, June 4 - CE test (use study sheet)

Tuesday, June 5 - Major Awards Night at ND 7pm

Wednesday, June 6 - Euro Day - wear a sports top, late start 9:10, poetry test

Thursday, June 7 - H block, Mass, dismissal at 11:30, last day of classes

We will finish all the presentations, too.

May 29

We had some portfolio presentations today.  They were fantastic.  Thanks, people.

We also had poetry recitals and prayer-leading.

May 30: SS test - China - bring your notes

Reminders

• Class prayer to be led by Mackenzie, Jade, and Marcus in D and by Alex, Jeffrey, and Eduardo in B
• novel projects due tomorrow in B
• poetry recital in B
• Portfolio presentations D - Mackenzie, Paolo, Austin; B - Marra, Jade

Portfolio Presentation

1. Mackenzie
2. Paolo
3. Austin
4. Marra
5. Jade
6. Nella
7. David
8. Renee
9. Brittney
10. Stephanie de J
11. Jessica
12. Cassandra
13. Danielle
14. Kailin
15. Caitlin
16. Miguel
17. Isabella
18. Alex
19. Marcus
20. Jeffrey
21. Eduardo
22. April John
23. Stephanie de A
24. Christina

May 29 - D - 1-3
May 29 - B - 4-5
May 31 - D - 6-9
May 31 - B - 10-13
June 1 - G - 14
June 4 - D - 15-19
June 4 - B - 20-24

Poetry Recital

Doing their poetry recital on May 29:

1. Paolo
2. Jessica
3. Cassandra
4. Nella
5. David
6. Jeffrey
7. Eduardo
8. Marcus

Poetry Recital on May 31:

1. Isabella
2. Marra
3. Renee
4. Alex
5. Mackenzie
6. Kailin
7. Danielle
8. Stephanie de J

Poetry Recital

The following students will be reciting their poems on May 24:

1. Brittney
2. Stephanie de A
3. Christina
4. April John
5. Jade
6. Austin
7. Miguel
8. Caitlin

Portfolios

Need to include a document on your prezi? Make it a pdf first.  You can download a free pdf writer by going to this link: PDF Writer.

May 23

We got into groups in order to go over our China notes and prepare questions for our quiz game next class:

1. Eduardo, David, Jeffrey, Danielle, Kailin
2. Caitlin, Miguel, Austin, Nella, Jade
3. April John, Christina, Stephanie de A, Brittney, Mackenzie
4. Alex, Renee, Marra, Stephanie de J
5. Marcus, Isabella, Paolo, Jessica, Cassandra (absent)

May 22

CE -

• We had our first prayer leaders.
• We finished watching David.
• HW: Read pp. 128-136 and complete Review Questions on p. 136

EN -

• We had our second prayer leaders.
• We read our novels or worked on our projects.
• We read/viewed "Casey at the Bat."
• We discussed the criteria for the poetry readings that will start next English class.

Criteria:

• Shorter poems should be memorized. (12 lines or less)
• Volume: loud, varied as appropriate
• Eye Contact: scan the room
• Pronunciation: pronounce all words correctly/enunciate words

 HW: Answer the "Casey at the Bat" questions.

May 17

Reminders

CE

1. Leading Prayer starts next day. The class-generated criteria are:

How? – standing at desk or elsewhere in the room, in solos/duos/trios/quartets


- format: verbal/singing/reading the Bible/reflection (one or more)

- types of prayer: mixed/one type/optional intentions

- include one or more traditional, other prayer optional

Length – solo: 3-5 minutes; duo: 4-7 minutes; trio: 5-10; quartet: 6-12

Visuals? – optional visuals

How do we mark it? – checklist: pass/fail

Checklist: time, standing, includes at least one traditional prayer, appropriate, relevant

May 22: D block - Stephanie de J, April John, Caitlin B block - Paolo, Austin, David, Miguel

2. Service Hours

Reports are due May 22. Don't forget to write your reflection.

3. HW for Tuesday:

Read pp. 122-27 and do Review Questions on page 127.

EN

1. Choose a poem for your poetry recital starting May 24. Poems 12 lines or shorter should be memorized.

2. Novel projects are due May 29.

SS

Homework: Complete the China package. Omit Mongols #6 and #7.

Portfolios

Be sure to be working on your presentations.

May 15

Updates:

***Service Hours for CE are due May 22***
This includes your reflection on the second page.

CE
We went over the review questions on p. 103, 110, and 115.
Please complete for checking on Thursday review questions on p. 119 and p. 122.

EN
We went over "Lineage" and "Fire and Ice."
Work on your novels and project.

SS
We continued taking notes on China.
HW: Complete the Song Dynasty questions for Thursday.

Portfolio
You should be working on this.

May 10

CE

• prayed the prayer for Reverence for Life
• reviewed the stories of Gideon and Samson

• read about Ruth (textbook pp. 111-116)

HW

• Read Ruth in the Bible
• Do the following Review questions in the textbook: p. 103 q. 2, p. 110 all, p. 115 all
• I will check the questions during G block on Tuesday, May 15

Next class: Watch David.

EN:

• read our novels
• turned in lyrics assignment and had them marked
• went over responses to "Over the Rainbow"
• read "Lineage"

Homework:

• responses to "Lineage" and "Fire and Ice"

May 9

We worked on the Dynasties chart and Activity 13-1. Please have these completed for next class (Friday).

Reminders for tomorrow:

• lyrics assignment is due for English
• CE reflection is due D block

May 8

CE:

• We reviewed the rosary and took notes.
• We reviewed our Judges summaries and looked at Deborah.
• We looked at the cycle of sin with regard to Israelites and the Judges and reflected on how that applies to us.
• HW: Write your reflection for next class.

EN:

• We had about 25 minutes because of the presentation going longer than anticipated, so we spent most of the class reading.  We also checked our responses to the Poetry Terms worksheet.
• HW: Lyrics assignment due next day

May 7

We worked on Chapter 13 China notes today. Please complete the package for homework if you didn't complete it in class.

May 4

CE

• We worked on our Joshua notes then looked over the comic version of Joshua and Caleb and Joshua at Jericho.
• Homework: Complete the Judges chart with summaries of the six judges listed. Use your textbook and the Bible.

EN

• We finished our analysis of "Summer of '69."
• We went over the poetry terms we need to know.
• We read/listened to "Over the Rainbow" and worked on an analysis of it.
• Homework: Complete the Poetry Terms worksheet.

May 3

• We had our Renaissance test today then spent our time reading.
• Tomorrow, we will split D block so we are sharing CE and English because we will be in the library for B block (presentation).

Prayer Groups and Leading Dates

• Stephanie de J., April John, Caitlin May 22 Block D (morning)
• Paolo, Austin, David, Miguel May 22 Block B
• Danielle, Brittney, Kailin May 24 Block D (morning)
• Izzy, Cassandra, Christina, Jessica May 24 Block B
• Mackenzie, Jade, Marcus May 29 Block D (morning)
• Alex, Jeffrey, Eduardo May 29 Block B
• Renee, Stephanie de A., Marra, Nella May 31 Block D (morning)

If it turns out that there is an event we find out about ahead of time that will prevent one or more group members from participating, that group will trade places with a group slotted to go earlier.

If a group member is absent for the prayer, (s)he will have to lead prayer on his or her own upon returning.

Please refer to the class-created criteria for leading prayer.

April 30

CE

We went over expectations for leading class prayer and divided up into groups.  We'll be leading class prayer May 22, 24, 29, and 31 in both D and B blocks.

Homework:

Written on Our Hearts:

• read pp. 94-96 (up to For Review)
• read and take notes on Joshua (textbook and Biblical passages indicated in book) pp. 96-103 total but not everything is due next class; due Wednesday us p. 96 up to page 98 just before "The abundance of the land"

EN

We did AR and got our books for independent novel study. You chose Theodore Boone Kid Lawyer and The Outsiders.

We filled in a calendar for May, showing when the novel project would be due (May 29) and when Day 1s are.  You need to plan your reading so you can finish your projects on time.

Projects include your choice of: comic strip, book jacket, poster, timeline, power point/prezi.

April 24

D block:

• Moses practice test
• Book Talks

B block:

• Renaissance in-class essay

April 23

• HW: Complete the paragraph for the SS picture (tornado).

Tuesday:

• D block - Moses pre-test, book talks
• B block - Renaissance in-class essay, silent reading

Wednesday (12:45 dismissal):

• mapping

Thursday (guest speaker 12:00-1:00):

• D block - Moses test followed by silent reading
• B block - creative writing

Friday (Cancer Fundraising Day)

• SS: bring cue cards and other test prep materials, including your textbook to prepare for May 3 Renaissance test.

April 20

D block:

We had our skits and group-assessed them. Those who missed class today will have to do a make-up assignment.

Next week: Tuesday - practice test for Moses then book talks, Thursday - Moses test then silent reading

B block:

We spent this short class reading.

Next week: Tuesday - Renaissance Essay (Bring your research.) Thursday - surprise

General Reminders:

Fakebook links should be sent in by midnight tonight.

Start working on your portfolios.

April 18

Due by midnight tonight: profile page for Renaissance person
Due by midnight Friday: group page

In Socials tomorrow, we will continue our study of current events.
In CE on Friday, we will have the rest of the Ten Commandments skits then work on studying for a test next week.
In English on Friday, we will start some poetry.

April 17

We had 8 presentations today and will have the rest tomorrow.

Also for tomorrow: D block - the Choir Girls will do their CE skit.

In B block, we will take a look at your letters to Victor Frankenstein.

April 16 - English

• We had time for AR.
• We had book talks by April John and Stephanie de A.
• I reminded you of the persuasive paragraphs you need for your portfolio.
• We finished reading Frankenstein and outline the plot.
• Homework: Complete a letter to your friend, Victor Frankenstein, in which you tell him why he should or should not pursue his experiments.  Include 3 reasons to back up your point of view.

April 16 - CE

• We worked on skits of the Ten Commandments.
• Remember to include the two commandments you have.
• How do they apply to our modern society?
• What are the commandments? Why should we follow them? What are some potential consequences of NOT following them?

Renaissance Presentations Order

1. Marra
2. Cassandra
3. Renee
4. David
5. Miguel
6. Jeffrey
7. Austin
8. Stephanie de A
9. Isabella
10. Nella
11. Brittney
12. Paolo
13. Stephanie de J
14. Kailin
15. Jade
16. Mackenzie
17. Jessica
18. Danielle
19. Caitlin
20. April John
21. Marcus
22. Christina
23. Alex
24. Eduardo

Tuesday in G block - 1-8
Wednesday in D block 9-16
Wednesday in B block 17-24

Fakebook

Happy Saturday, everyone. I've gotten a whole bunch of emails telling me Fakebook is back up. As promised, we'll move the due dates for the profile and group pages. Profile page is now due April 18. Group page is now due April 20. We'll still do our presentations this week. We'll talk about order on Monday. In your presentations, you want to pretend you are that person and address all the research questions.

April 12

CE:

We got into groups for Moses skits and the quiz game we played.  Next day: working on skits.

EN:

We did AR, had book talks, and started the mini play we are reading.

April 11

SS

• We worked on Canadian politics and read from What in the World.
• We read pages 3-4 and answered the questions on p. 5, the Fact/Opinion questions on p. 6, the discussion questions on p. 6, and did the image exercise on p. 7.
• We put off checking your notes because of the high number of missing students and will check them during English class on April 12.
• Due April 13: Fakebook page for your Renaissance person.

April 10

CE

• We worked on reflections: "What Easter Means to Me" and visual representations of the meaning of Easter
• Complete the reflections and/or pictures for homework if you haven't finished.

EN

• We read for AR.
• We did book talks.
• We worked on our paragraphs.
• If you haven't turned in your final draft of your paragraph, please do so for next class.

Tomorrow (April 11), I'm checking your SS research.

April 4

D Block: We had our last research class in the library. Make sure you have your research done by April 11. B Block: We did AR, had book talks, shared our paragraphs, and started working on our final revisions using the rubric. Homework: Complete your paragraph revisions.

April 2

D block:

We did research in the library for our Renaissance Fakebook project. 

Next D block will be more of the same and our last class in the library.

B block:

• silent reading
• book talks
• persuasive paragraph sharing

Next B block:

• book talks by Jade, Marra, Paolo, Alex
• persuasive paragraph sharing by Isabella, Mackenzie, Eduardo, Caitlin, Jade, Miguel, David, Kailin, Christina, Cassandra
• work on paragraph revisions using rubrics

Don't forget we are doing our CE class in G block this week, so I'll see you after lunch on Tuesday.

March 30 - Renaissance Project

You received your Renaissance Project information today and selected the people you will be researching.  We will meet in the library Monday, 1st block.  We are switching SS and CE blocks next week.  SS will be D instead of G, and CE will be G instead of D.

Due Dates:

Research - April 11
Profile Page - emailed to me by April 13 (link and password)
Group Page - emailed to me by April 17 (link and password)
Presentations - April 16, 17, 18 (8 each day)
In-class Essay - April 24

People Assigned:

Jade - Giotto
Nella - da Vinci
Austin - Michelangelo
Kailin - Rembrandt
Caitlin - Raphael
Isabella - Durer
Christina - Gentileschi
Stephanie de J - Boccaccio
Brittney - Donatello
Miguel - Shakespeare
Jessica - Machiavelli
Alex - Dante
Cassandra - Malory
Jeffrey - Galileo
David - Copernicus
Danielle - Bacon
Stephanie de A - Henry VIII
Marra - Elizabeth I
Paolo - Savonarola
April John - Luther
Eduardo - Calvin

March 29 - EN and CE

EN

• AR
• peer feedback
• paragraph revision
• presenting paragraph

Homework: If you haven't finished the second draft of your paragraph, please do so.

CE

• continuation of The Ten Commandments

March 27 - English

We worked on AR and paragraph-writing.

Homework: rough draft of your persuasive paragraph

Next day 1: We will switch English and CE blocks so English is earlier and CE is last block.

March 27 - CE

In CE, we are watching the Ten Commandments.

March 26

Social Studies:

• We discussed the whole concept of mercantilism.
• We continued work on the Renaissance.
• No homework assigned for SS today but be sure to have completed your Moses Cornell notes for CE tomorrow.

March 16 - EN

• Silent Reading!  Congratulations to the following students who have ALL their AR points for the year:

1. Alex
2. Marra
3. Mackenzie
4. Isabella
5. Stephanie de A.
6. Nella
7. Cassandra
8. Jessica
9. Christina
10. Paolo
11. Renee
12. Jade

• We went over our Diff'rent Strokes responses and had a discussion about the themes of the show as well as what other groups of people are mistreated.

Have a great Spring Break.  If you don't have your AR points, please do lots of reading.

March 16 - CE

Steward of the Earth - Reflection

Write a single-spaced paragraph that addresses the following:

• What I do
• What I could do if I just tried a bit
• What I wish I could do but can't right now and why

Be sure to write at least 10 sentences.

March 15 - SS

We worked on our Cornell Notes and Mercantilism.  Please finish these for homework if not completed in class.

March 14

SS Homework for tomorrow: Complete Cornell Notes for Renaissance up to but not including the last page.

CE Homework for Friday: Finish Moses Cornell Notes.

EN Homework for Friday: Finish plotline for "Hot Watch."  Two of you already handed this in.  Great work, Nella and Danielle!

Book Talks

April 2:  Isabella, Mackenzie, Jade
April 4: Marra, Paolo, Alex
April 10: Eduardo, Nella, Caitlin
April 12: Austin, Miguel, David
April 16: April John, Stephanie de A., Jessica
April 18: Kailin, Christina, Renee, Danielle
April 20: Cassandra, Stephanie de J.
April 24: Brittney, Marcus, Jeffrey

March 7

You did an excellent job working hard in your Cornell Notes for the Renaissance. HW: Finish the first page of notes if you haven't done so.

March 6

CE:

• We worked on a journal entry: Which commandment do I find most challenging to follow; why is it challenging; what are the sacrifices in Lent I can make to help me follow that commandment?
• We then got into groups, mostly according to the commandment we wrote about:

1. Mackenzie, Jade, Paolo
2. David, Jeffrey
3. Eduardo, Miguel
4. Kailin, Isabella, Marcus, Christina
5. Caitlin, Nella
6. Austin, Alex
7. Cassandra, Jessica
8. Brittney, Stephanie de J
9. Danielle, April John
10. Renee, Stephanie de A, Marra

• In our groups, we'll be making posters of our commandments. We will include the commandment, its application to modern teenagers, and images/drawings to help illustrate this. You will be given class time to complete this activity.
• No homework for today.

EN:

• We discussed last day's Family Ties activity.
• We did silent reading.
• We returned to our Most Memorable Moment paragraphs and gave peer feedback using the following criteria:

1. Does the paragraph follow the given format (TS, CD, CM, CM, CD, CM, CM, CS)?
2. Is the paragraph engaging?
3. Is there enough detail?
4. How are the mechanics (capitalization, punctuation, spelling, grammar)?
5. Does the concluding sentence end the paragraph successfully, or is it flat/inconclusive/confusing?

• We worked on a new draft due Thursday.  Please attach the first draft to the second.

March 5

More Renaissance!

• You handed in your inventions sheets to Mr. Martin.
• We read and discussed geography, Florence, and Venice.
• You worked on questions from the textbook: p. 217 q. 1, 3, 4, 5, 6a

Homework: Complete the questions if you did not finish them in class.

March 1

• We read today's Gospel and discussed the messages, especially the "golden rule."
• We discussed the 10 commandments then got into groups.
• In our groups, we listed the 10 commandments then discussed the ones we find most challenging to follow.
• We reported back to the class on our discussions.
• We continued the work from yesterday.  It is now for homework: Complete Cornell notes up to "Why the commandments were so important"

Tomorrow:
D block: SS with Mr. Martin
B block: English

Monday: SS in G block

Feb. 29

CE

• continued reading about Moses in textbook and Bible (text pp. 61-71, related readings in Bible)
• Cornell Notes up to and including "Why commandments were important"
• This was NOT assigned for homework today; we will continue working on it next day.

EN

• AR
• Paragraph-writing: My Most Memorable Moment
• Create an outline and paragraph, following this format:
• Topic Sentence, Concrete Detail, Commentary, Commentary, Concrete Detail, Commentary, Commentary, Concluding Sentence

Feb. 28

Tomorrow is Anti-Bullying day.  If you wear a pink shirt, you can wear jeans.  If you're not wearing a pink shirt, you should be in uniform.

Mr. Martin worked with you today on the importance of location/geography and the beginning of the Renaissance.

Next SS class will be on FRIDAY during D block.  Please have your Scavenger Hunt sheet ready for checking over.

Feb. 27

CE

• We continued our Moses notes.  Be sure to finish up to the Covenant (just before the 10 Commandments).

EN

• We worked on found poems. Please finish for homework if not done in class.

Feb. 24

• finish off Renaissance scavenger hunt sheet

Feb. 23

• We completed all but two speeches.  Those will be done tomorrow.
• CE: textbook - p. 59 The Burning Bush and pp. 59-60 The Name Yahweh and Let My People Go as well as Exodus 3:1-22, 4:1-17 AND 4:27-31, 5:1-23, 6:1

Read and complete Cornell Notes

Feb. 22 - SS

• We had more speeches.  The rest will be completed tomorrow, beginning in "D" block.
• We started a Renaissance scavenger hunt for information.

• Homework: If you were spoken to, you must complete the scavenger hunt sheet for homework.

Feb. 21 - English

• We had speeches today and will have more tomorrow during G block.
• We did Mad Libs and thus reviewed parts of speech.
• Speeches on Thursday will start in D block and continue in B block if necessary. We will use the remaining time in B block for CE work.

Feb. 21 - CE

• We finished watching Prince of Egypt.
• We started our Cornell notes for Chapter 3 (Moses).

• Homework: Finish reading Exodus 1:6-22; 2:1-15 and complete the Cornell notes for that section.

Feb. 20

We had our SS test today.

Tomorrow:

• CE - finish video, work on Moses
• English - first speeches

Feb. 15

• looked at speeches
• did AR
• worked on creative writing related to Small Steps
• watched Prince of Egypt to give us an overview of Moses

Monday: SS test - Middle Ages - Use your notes and the paragraph questions to study. Don't forget your textbook.

Tuesday-Thursday: speeches

Feb. 13

• we watched Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat
• we wrote our Jacob and Joseph test
• we did silent reading
• I gave you feedback on your speeches

Tomorrow: we will keep reviewing the Middle Ages notes
SS test is on February 20.

Due for English: Revised speech

On Wednesday, I will look at your speeches in D block, and we will do English class then.  You will do your CE block in B block instead (because I will have to miss that class and have a video planned for CE).

Speech Order

Speeches will take place on Feb. 21, 22, and 23.

The order is as follows:

1. Mackenzie
2. Isabella
3. Stephanie de A
4. Cassandra
5. Renee
6. Austin
7. Paolo
8. Danielle
9. Nella
10. Christina
11. Brittney
12. Eduardo
13. Marra
14. Marcus
15. Jade
16. Caitlin
17. April John
18. Jeffrey
19. David
20. Jessica
21. Stephanie de J
22. Alex
23. Miguel
24. Kailin

Feb. 8

CE:

Jacob/Joseph test on Monday.  Use your pre-test questions.

EN:

Revise your speech essay.  Speeches start Feb. 21.

SS:

We're wrapping up Middle Ages soon.

Feb. 6 - English

• we did our Middle Ages in-class essays
• I reminded you that your developing paragraphs for the speech were due today.

• Due next day: rough draft of persuasive essay (for speech), including two developing paragraphs, introduction, and conclusion

Feb. 6 - CE

• We worked in our groups to come up with non-verbal ways of representing the Joseph story. Groups are:
• Renee, Eduardo, Stephanie de J., April John
• Austin, Miguel, Paolo, Jeffrey
• David, Kailin, Caitlin, Jade
• Christina, Danielle, Stephanie de A., Cassandra
• Nella, Marcus, Alex, Marra
• Isabella, Mackenzie, Brittney, Jessica

• You will present next day in CE class (Wednesday).

• Coming up: Jacob and Joseph test on Monday, Feb. 13.  Use your pre-test to study.

Feb. 2 - English

• We went over all your grades and comments for all three classes.
• We did silent reading for AR.
• We discussed marginalized people/groups.
• We went over the next step in our essay-writing.
• Due for next class: both developing paragraphs written out

Feb. 2 - CE

• We finished the Joseph story.
• Homework: make a list of the main events and key ideas in the Joseph story.
• Next class: in groups and using your lists, determine how to represent the story in a non-verbal manner.

Jan. 31 - English

• We worked on our speeches.
• We worked on three questions for Small Steps.
• Timeline for speeches:
• Feb. 2 - completed outline for 2nd developing paragraph
• Feb. 6 - well-written copies of two developing paragraphs
• Feb. 8 - introduction and conclusion
• Feb. 13 - good copy of essay
• Feb. 21-23 - speeches

Jan. 30 - Social Studies

We worked on the questions from previous class, focusing on gender roles in the Middle Ages and the role of the Church.

The only Socials homework is to prepare for the Middle Ages Market Place on Friday.  Don't forget your costumes!

Jan. 27 - English

We went over some discussion questions for chapters 27-31.  We started our other work, to be completed for homework:

• finish the book
• complete the outline for ONE DEVELOPING PARAGRAPH (not the entire outline) for your speech

Jan. 26

Today, you worked on your Middle Ages project.  Tomorrow, you will have time in D block to work on your visuals or your presentation.  We will do English work in B block.

Timeline:

• visuals due Jan. 30
• Market Place (with costumes, visuals, presentations) on Friday, Feb. 3 at 8:30
• in-class essay (using notes and bibliography ONLY) on Monday, Feb. 6 (B block)
• group assessment on Wednesday, Feb. 8 (D block)

Jan. 25 - English

We worked on discussion questions for ch. 22-26.  We are reading for next class ch. 27-31.

We looked at your rough outlines.  Be sure to find evidence (news stories, statistics) to back up your arguments.

Homework: finish up to chapter 31.

Jan. 24 - G block

We did our combo class again today.

SS - reading about the lord and lady of the manor and beliefs and devotion (pp. 52-56 of Pathways)

HW: questions about Middle Ages - p. 54 q. 1, 4, 7a, 7b; p. 56 q. 1, 2a, 2b

CE - we continued watching Joseph

Jan. 23 - Middle Ages

We continued our research in the library.  Most of you should have all your notes by now.  Our last class in the library is Wednesday.  Remember that you will be presenting on Feb. 3.  Visuals are due January 30.  In-class essay will be on Feb. 6.

Jan. 23 - English

We

• looked over your speech topics
• assigned a partial outline for HW
• did some discussion questions for chapters 19-21
• assigned reading (ch. 22-26)
• did 3 current events

Include in your outline:



Thesis Statement:



1st Developing Paragraph

Topic Sentence:



Concrete Detail:



Concrete Detail:



2nd Developing Paragraph

Topic Sentence:



Concrete Detail:



Concrete Detail:

Jan. 20

Family trees were due today.

Signed contracts/calendars were due today, but you may have until Monday to show them to me.

Homework:

SS - Keep working on your project.
CE - nothing new
EN - finish chapter 21 of Small Steps and write out your persuasive speech topic along with your two or three main points.

Jan. 19 - Middle Ages Project

We did research in the library.

Reminder of due dates:

• Jan. 20: contract (signed) and calendar
• Jan. 31: all visuals brought in
• Feb. 3: Middle Ages Market Place Fair (costumes and presentations)
• Feb. 6: in-class essay during English
• Feb. 8: group evaluation during CE

Jan. 19 - English

We:

• talked about our upcoming speech competition
• had three current events presentations
• discussed chapters 13-18
• new reading: chapters 19-21 (up to p. 170)

Homework:

• finish up to p. 170 (Monday)
• think of a topic for your speech; remember, it should be PERSUASIVE, meaning you are trying to convince the audience; bring in your topic and 2-3 main points to support your argument (Monday)

Jan. 18 - CE/SS

We had a combo class today, working on CE and SS because of block D being devoted to research for your Middle Ages project.

CE - We worked on our pre-test questions (Jacob). HW: good copy of family tree due Friday; finish pre-test questions if you didn't complete them in class (up to the name of the youngest brother).

SS - We went over the questions from last day and continued reading in the textbook about the Manor.

Jan. 17 - English

We worked on discussion questions for chapters 8-12 then had three students present their current events article.

Reading: chapters 13-18 (pp. 86-140) for Jan. 19.

Jan. 16 - Social Studies

• We checked the English current events homework. We'll present a few items at a time during English classes (B block).
• We reviewed the early Middle Ages in the textbook (pp. 22-23, 27-35) before starting to read the High Middle Ages.
• We read pp. 43-47 and started answering questions on p. 47:
• 1, 2c, 3a, 3b, 4a
• Homework: Complete the questions if you did not finish them in class.

Jan. 13 - CE

We wrote down all the main events in Jacob's life, beginning with his birth through to his return home.

We also got into groups for the project:

Black Death/Medicine: Mackenzie, Eduardo, April John
Food: Cassandra, Caitlin, Jade
Warfare: Miguel, Alex, Jeffrey
Castle: Austin, David, Marcus
Clothing: Jessica, Brittney, Kailin
Manor: Paulo, Stephanie de J, Christina
Cathedral/Stained Glass: Nella, Isabella, Marra
Village: Renee, Stephanie de A, Danielle

Homework: Good copy of family tree due Jan. 20.

Jan. 13 - English

We discussed ch. 4-7 in groups and took notes.  Finish the notes for HW if not done in class.
We did pages 9-11 in the workbook: fact vs. opinion and writing about characters.
We started the next section of reading: ch. 8-12.

HW: Finish up to the end of chapter 12 (p. 85) for Tuesday. Complete the Current Events assignment (p. 6 of workbook) for Monday. Finish the discussion questions for Tuesday if not completed in class.

Jan. 12 - Socials

We went over the notes from last day and went through a power point review of the Dark Ages.
I handed out the project information.

Homework: Decide on your choices for the project.  Tomorrow, you will be placed in groups.  Monday, you will begin your research.

Jan. 11 - CE

We watched a movie about Jacob today.  Keep working on your family tree.

Jan. 11 - English

- We had discussion questions for which we took notes.
- We started reading the next section, due for HW: chapters 4-7 (finish on page 52).
- Next class: discussion of chapters 4-7, workbook questions, reading ch 8-12 (p. 85).

Jan. 10 - SS

We went over our notes on the first part of the Dark Ages then watched parts 5-8 of the Dark Ages, filling in guided notes. No SS homework yet.

Jan. 9 - CE

We continued reading the Bible and textbook regarding Jacob. HW: textbook review questions on p. 51 (due Jan. 11); be sure you have your family tree updated to include ALL of Jacob's children (and their mothers). (Family tree not yet due)

Jan. 9 - English

We discussed the movie, Holes and read about and listened to Janis Joplin and the Beatles as pre-reading activities for Small Steps. We started reading Small Steps. Have up to ch. 3 (p. 25) finished for next class (Jan. 11). Reminder: Current Events sheet (p. 6) due Jan. 16.

Jan. 5

English - We got our novel study booklets and books: Small Steps. We started watching Holes. Homework: Journal question on p. 5 due Monday, Jan. 9; current events assignment on p. 6 due Monday, Jan. 16. CE - We read about Jacob from his birth to the birth of Joseph. Homework: Add to the Abraham family tree to include Jacob's wives and concubines and all the children.

Jan. 4, 2011

We started our Middle Ages unit today with guided notes. We are using the History Channel Dark Ages video, available on youtube, starting with: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PLNrxajzGCw. You can also watch it in the video bar at the side here. For those who had to leave for basketball, watch parts 1-4 and part 5 0:00-2:34. No homework today.